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Optifast VLCD Products
code: Optifast
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Optifast
Recommended by doctors, Optifast is the clinically proven, scientifically formulated, nutritionally complete weight loss program that has turned countless people’s lives around over the past 34 years. So now it’s your turn to try Optifast
Deciding to try Optifast® VLCDTM is a very positive step. Well done.
Ready to get started?
If you haven't already done so, the first step is deciding which product or products to buy.
Most people tend to prefer a combination of products, but the decision is completely up to you. The first few weeks of the program are usually the most challenging, so it's a good idea to vary the products you choose in this period. There are up to 11 products to choose from.
The following table provides a handy guide of what you'll need at each stage of the program. It is important to speak to your health professional before starting Optifast as he/she can advise you which phase of the program is most suited to your weight loss goals and individual needs:
What support is available once I've started?
To help you stick to your eating plan, track your progress, and get all the tools, information and advice you need, we have created a free, online OasisTM Club.
The OasisTM Club is a great, convenient way to stay on track and monitor your progress. Particularly in the early stages of your program, and if you have the time to spare, it's a perfect way to start or finish the day and stay inspired. By recording your food and exercise regularly, you'll feel motivated and encouraged as you start to notice the results. Once you move into the latter stages of the program, you'll also find plenty of healthy, yummy, low calorie recipes to help you maintain your progress.
Remember to ask your health professional if you have any questions or concerns about Optifast ® VLCDTM.
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Optifast is the clinically proven way to lose weight, and has been recommended by health care professionals and used successfully by millions of people since 1974. If you're ready to lose weight with the method that works, here's a little more detail about what you can expect…
Products Overview
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Milkshakes
Nutritionally complete with four great flavours to choose from:
Chocolate Milkshake, Coffee Milkshake, Strawberry Milkshake, Vanilla Milkshake |
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Bars
Tasty and convenient, ready to eat bars in three varieties:
Chocolate Bar, Berry Crunch Bar, Cappuccino Bar |
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Soups
Hot and satisfying savoury meals in two flavours:
Chicken Soup, Mixed Vegetable Soup |
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Desserts
Delicious, nutritionally complete & high in fibre:
Chocolate Dessert, Lemon Crème Dessert |
What is Optifast® VLCDTM?
The Optifast program is a clinically proven, very low calorie diet recommended for the dietary management of obesity. It has been widely researched and successfully and safely used worldwide by millions of patients since 1974.
How does it work?
Optifast is incredibly simple. All food is replaced with the Optifast products, which are designed to restrict energy intake, whilst still maintaining healthy nutrition. Reducing calorie (energy) intake to below 800 calories (3448kJ) per day means the body starts to draw energy from its own fat stores instead of from food. Research has shown that very low calorie diets produce greater initial weight loss than other diets (9–26kg over 4-20 weeks).
What is involved?
In the early stages, Optifast is designed to totally replace normal food intake. As you start to lose weight, normal meals are then gradually re-introduced. There are 11 products in our range – each of which contains carbohydrates, essential fatty acids and high quality protein (which helps preserve lean body mass). Each product contains all the daily nutrients, minerals and trace elements the body needs on a daily basis.
There are four stages to the Optifast program and your health professional can advise which is the most appropriate phase of the program for your individual weight loss needs:
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Intensive PhaseDuring this initial phase, Optifast replaces ALL meals and must be taken in combination with 2 cups of low-starch, green vegetables and 2 litres of water per day. Click here to see a list of allowed low starch vegetables.
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Transition Phase
One low calorie meal (approximately 300-350 calories) is introduced, in combination with 2 cups of low starch vegetables, 2 serves of fruit, 1 serve of dairy (see Allowed Foods List) and 2 litres of water per day.
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Maintenance Phase
Once this phase is reached, Optifast replaces just ONE meal a day – in combination with two low calorie meal (approximately 300-350 calories each), 2 cups of low starch vegetables, 2 serves of fruit, 1 serve of dairy (see Allowed Foods List) and 2 litres of water per day.
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Stabilisation Phase
Once weight loss goals have been achieved, you should be at a stage where you no longer require Optifast and you are eating healthy, low calorie meals. However, it is vital to maintain weight loss by ensuring calorie intake is restricted to less than about 1500 calories per day. Your health professional may advise you to use Optifast intermittently if you go above your healthy goal weight.
How is it taken?
Optifast comes in bar, shake and soup formats, in individual portions. To make up a sachet, simply add the contents to cold or hot water - then stir or shake. In addition to the sachets, it’s important to drink two litres of calorie-free fluid, preferably water, and eat two cups of low starch vegetables every day. It’s also important to start a program of light exercise – increasing to moderate intensity (e.g. brisk walking) as weight loss accelerates. Before commencing any exercise program, it is important that you discuss this with your health professional.
What other foods can be eaten on the program?
The following table outlines the particular foods that can be included while using Optifast
Additional allowances
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Allowed |
Avoid |
| Fruit* and Dairy serves for Transition Phase onwards. |
A serve of fruit should contain around 50-70 calories and 10-15g of carbohydrate. A serve of fruit could be one of: 200g strawberries, 4 lychees, 2 apricots, 200g cooked rhubarb, 2 slices pineapple, 2-3 passion fruit, 100g grapes, 1 small apple, 10 cherries, 1 small orange, 1 peach, 1 small pear, 120g pear in natural juice, 120g plums or 3 prunes.A serve of dairy should have around 100 calories. A serve of dairy could be: one 250ml glass low fat milk, 40g low fat cheese, 1 scoop of light ice-cream or a 200g tub low fat yoghurt. |
All other fruit |
| Low starch and green vegetables |
alfalfa sprouts, asparagus, beans, bok choy, broccoli, brussel sprouts, celery, cabbage, capsicum, carrots |
cauliflower, cucumber, eggplant, garlic, lettuce, leeks, mung beans, mushrooms, onions |
radish, shallots, silver beet, snow peas, spinach, squash, tomato, watercress, zucchini |
corn, green peas, legume, lentils, potato, pumpkin, sweet potato |
| Soups |
stock cubes, bonox (in moderation) |
vegetable soups(using allowed vegetables) |
miso soup |
All others |
| Sauces and condiments |
lemon juice, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce |
soy sauce (in moderation), chilli |
mustard, tomato paste |
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| Spices and herbs |
all spice, basil, celery flakes, chilli, chives, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, curry powder |
dill, fennel, garlic, ginger, light salt, mint, mustard seed, nutmeg |
oregano, paprika, parsley, pepper, rosemary, sage, thyme, turmeric, tarragon |
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| Miscellaneous |
artificial sweeteners |
Unsweetened lollies/gum |
Diet Jelly, Essence – banana, mint, strawberry |
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| Calorie free fluids (at least 2 litres extra per day) |
water, tea, diet soft drink |
diet cordial, mineral water |
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fruit juice, alcohol |
* Fruit is permitted only during the Transition, Maintenance and Stabilisation Phases of the program. Fruit is not allowed during the intensive phase of the program due to its carbohydrate content.
What support is included?
Anyone using Optifast, or any health professional who recommends it to patients, can register for the Oasis support program. This unique program is completely free, and includes:
- 24/7 information at your fingertips.
- Sound, expert weight loss advice, tailored to the program.
- Fact sheets with weight loss tips.
- Product updates and promotions.
- Weight loss progress charts.
- Delicious recipe ideas.
- Menu planners and exercise guidelines.
- Opportunities to share your success stories with others.
- Community forums and a personal blog.
Health Information
Losing weight won't just make you feel more active, give you more energy and boost your self-esteem. It can also be beneficial in lots of other areas, and can be the start of a healthier, happier life. Below are just some of the ways weight loss can have an impact if you have other health problems.
Evidence is emerging that obesity can trigger Type 1 diabetes in susceptible individuals1. Increasingly doctors and health professionals will be asked by obese type 1 diabetics for assistance with weight loss.
Type 2 diabetes is strongly linked to obesity. Most obese people with Type 2 Diabetes are suitable for treatment with Optifast® VLCDTM as part of an overall program that emphasises the importance of ongoing weight maintenance.
There is substantial literature on the relationship between obesity and heart health. It has been proven that weight loss improves cardiac function for the severely obese2,3.
Women planning pregnancy should aim to achieve a healthy body weight well in advance of planned conception. A VLCD program such as Optifast may be useful but should be maintained with a healthy balanced diet and regular physical activity in the lead-up to conception.
Obesity is one of the most common causes of sleep apnoea. A VLCD program such as Optifast can produce significant weight loss in sufferers of sleep apnoea to reduce the severity of the disorder.
Obesity is a key factor which can contribute to high blood pressure. Weight loss can assist with lowering blood pressure in people suffering from hypertension.
Weight loss in overweight or obese asthma sufferers, can lead to a significant reduction in asthma symptoms and improved quality of life4.
1FOURLANOS S ET AL. Insulin resistance is a risk factor for progression to type 1 diabetes. Diabetologia 47:1661-7. 2004.
2ZUBER M, KAESLIN T, STUDER T, ERNE P. Weight loss of 146kg with diet and reversal of severe congestive heart failure in a young morbidly obese patient. Am J Cardiol 1999 Oct 15; 84 (8): 955-6, A8.
3ALPERT MA. Obesity cardiomyopathy: pathiphysiology and evolution of the clinical syndrome. Am J Medi Sci 2001 Apr; 321 (4) : 225-36.
4'Obesity epidemic causes greater asthma symptoms' National Asthma Council Australia – Media Release. 22nd November 2004.
Health information on this site is intended for general information purposes only. The information on this site is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice and we recommend that Optifast should always be taken under the supervision of an appropriate healthcare professional. Should you have a medical condition, promptly see your own health care professional.
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